Names 32-member preliminary squad
The Bangladesh Football Federation on Sunday cancelled their proposed two international friendly matches against Nepal as part of their preparation for the forthcoming Asian Cup Qualifying play-offs against Bhutan, citing players’ fitness. Bangladesh will play their qualifying matches against Bhutan on September 6 in Dhaka while the return leg will be held in Thimpu five days later.
The two friendly matches were supposed to be held on July 15 and 17 in Dhaka but the BFF thought it would be very difficult for the players to produce their best after being out of the field for a long time due to Eid holiday.
‘The players were out of the field for a long period due to Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. So their fitness level is not up to the mark,’ said BFF president Kazi Salahuddin during the National Team Committee meeting on Sunday.
‘It will be really tough for the players to play their natural game with only three days of preparation. So, we have decided to cancel the games against Nepal.’
During the meeting, BFF also announced a 32-member preliminary squad for the Bhutan match including two new faces — Jafar Iqbal and Mohammad Abdullah. Both the wingers excelled in the recently concluded Federation Cup and helped their side Arambagh Krira Chakra to become runners-up in that tournament.
Though the friendlies were cancelled, BFF is going to hold a short camp under the tutelage of newly appointed Belgium coach Tom Saintfiet from July 12, hours after his arrival in Dhaka.
BFF also recalled Abahani Limited midfielder Pranotosh Kumar and Muktijoddha Sangshad KC forward Towhidul Alam Towhid after a long gap.
Winger Zahid Hossain, who was released by BFF after serving a one-year suspension, was also included in the provisional squad.
Abahani midfielder Hemanta Vincent Biswas and Brothers Union midfielder Kawsar Ahmed Rabby returned to the squad after recovering from injuries.
Meanwhile, a report published by BBC online on July 8 said that Saintfiet was shortlisted for the vacant post of the Nigeria national team head coach.
The report said that former Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, Tom Saintfiet and Salisu Yusuf were the candidates to be the new Nigeria coach.
Saintfiet was considered for the head coach post of Nigeria due to his vast experience with African national teams, having led Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Malawi and Togo so far.
BBC also added that the Nigerian authority would interview the trio on July 18 and ‘immediately name the next Super Eagles coach’.
BFF, however, brushed aside such rumours and said that they have no information over Saintfiet’s Nigerian offer as they claimed that they have a regular contact with the coach.
‘I talked with the coach [Saintfiet] today [Sunday] over phone to inform him the flight details,’ BFF general secretary Abu Nayeem Shohag said.
‘He didn’t say anything about his offer from Nigeria.’
preliminary squad
Goalkeepers: Russell Mahmud Liton, Shahidul Alam Sohel, Ashraful Islam Rana and Mazharul Islam Hemel; Defenders: Rayhan Hasan, Nasiruddin Chowdhury, Topu Barman, Yeamin Ahmed Chowdhury Munna, Mamun Miah, Shakil Ahmed, Ariful Islam, Rezaul Karim, Waly Faisal; Midfielders: Mamunul Islam, Jamal Bhuiyan, Pranotosh Kumar, Jafar Iqbal, Sohel Rana, Monayem Khan Raju, Shahedul Alam Shahed, Shahedul Alam, Masuk Miah Jony, Emon Mahmud Babu, Hemanta Vincent Biswas, Kawsar Ali Rabbi, Zahid Hossain, Mohammad Abdullah; Forwards: Towhidul Alam Towhid, Jewel Rana, Rubel Miah, Nabib Newaj Jibon, Syed Rashed Turzo.
-With New Age input
